Whisper to the Blood by Dana Stabenow

I'm going to quit worrying about Stabenow's titles and their relationship to the story. I'm sure the connection exists in her mind and it is some failing in mine that keeps me from making the leap. They are extremely cool titles and their provenance is excellent. I have actually been reading some bits and pieces by Roethke - not bad stuff.

This story has its own murders and other crimes to be investigated, but its frame is the story left hanging in the last book. After exploring some of the most unlikely candidates in the park, the actual murderer is uncovered and confesses without even trying to escape or excuse his guilt.

In other matters, a company is setting up to mine gold and that has many unpleasant ramifications as far as the residents of the park in general and the Niniltna Native Association in particular are concerned. After the death of Billy Mike, perennial chairman of the board, Kate is forced to take a seat and is shanghaied into filling his term as chair. After being confirmed at the annual shareholders meeting, she proceeds to let the Aunties know what they have done. Things are changing in the NNA. Kate explains to them, "I told you I wasn't Emaa."

Wonder of wonders, neither Kate nor Mutt gets shot or otherwise damaged in this one. Shot at a couple of times, but not actually shot. And Mutt gets the opportunity to eat a chunk of another bad guy.